A bulldozer demolishes houses on the controversial land that belongs to the East African Portland Cement Company in Athi River, Machakos County, on October 16, 2023. [Peterson Githaiga, Standard]

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has described the demolition of houses and business premises in Mavoko as barbaric, inhumane and crimes against humanity.

He said individuals who oversaw the demolition of houses must be held to account for their actions.

The demolitions on the more than 4,000 acres of land LR N0. 10424 began three days after High Court Judge A. Nyukuri, sitting at Machakos Environment and Land Court, declared East African Portland Cement PLC the legitimate owner of the disputed parcel of land.

"We are appalled by the callousness of the act of demolition. There was no court order on demolition, there was no notice, and this was an ambush on the Kenyans on Portland land. We condemn the act in the strongest terms possible," said Mwangagi.

The deputy governor said the evictions were a direct violation of human rights and against Article 43 of the Constitution which entitles every Kenyan to shelter.

"Since those evicted are Kenyans and this is their government, why would the government through Portland not negotiate with them and ensure they acquire the land legally rather than cause them untold suffering?" he said.

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi speaks in Athi River on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. He has promised that the county government will help those affected in the evictions on the East Africa Portland Cement land by offering them shelter during the expected rainy season. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

He said that the county government in conjunction with the Kenya Red Cross Society will work together with the victims to ensure that they get shelter and food during the rainy season.

Mwangangi promised that the county government would coordinate counselling sessions for students in affected schools and candidates who are about to start national examinations.

The deputy governor said that the losses incurred by the victims are immense given that some had their houses demolished.

"The same government told its people that the inhumane demolitions will be a thing of the past and that they will ensure a win-win solution for such cases. Today they have gone back on their word," said Mwangangi.